As the galaxy was growing more and more hostile with the demise of the Old Republic and diplomats could no longer count on Jedi to keep them safe, it was discovered that a weapon was needed that required practically no skill to use.

Drearian Defense Conglomerate stepped in to fill this void with their Defender pistol. Elegant enough to compliment any diplomat's or businessman's attire, the Defender became a popular feature amongst the high society of the galaxy.

Although it has relatively little stopping power, the Defender was simply seen as a last ditch defense if a possible assassin would get past the wielder's bodyguards.